At The Devils Ball

This week, the guys continue Verhoeven month with the director's controversial satire STARSHIP TROOPERS. Along with special guest Mark Olszewski of the band NMA, the guys discuss topics like fascism, people who like fascism, people who don't understand satire, and the tragedy of Diz. Come Do Your Part for the Federation! Listening means citizenship!

Get yo ass tah mahs! Paul Verhoeven tribute month continues with TOTAL RECALL, the glorious action/sci-fi hybrid from 1990. The guys discuss the films enduring legacy on pop culture, satire and, of course, Arnold and his career.

Kuato lives!

This week, the guys begin a month-long rundown of the genre work of director Paul Verhoeven beginning with his 2000 misfire HOLLOW MAN. The guys talk invisible men, the top tier cast, and (regrettably) Kevin's lil Bacon.

Xeno-March wraps up with the last (until later this year, anyway) "Alien" entry. We compare and contrast the film with "Prometheus," talk Daniels vs Shaw, and once again praise the efforts of Michael Fassbender to carry this thing along on his back.

Journey with the guys through a muddy story filled with jarringly stupid people and stunningly beautiful imagery! Marvel at the incredible performance of Michael Fassbender! Witness our praise for Doctor Shaw! Wonder what the hell is actually going on! Prometheus!

Xeno-March continues with the oddball franchise entry ALIEN:RESURRECTION! The guys talk rich characters, disconnects between top flight creatives, and abominations against all things good and pure in the world! If you know, you know!

Xeno-March continues with the occasionally baffling slow-burn that is Alien 3. The guys discuss setting, story, the theatrical cut vs the "Assembly" cut, and the most iconic shot in the history of the Alien franchise.

"Xeno-March" begins with our run-through of the "Alien" franchise (sans the original, we did a while back), starting with "Aliens," James Cameron's effects-filled, action-packed epic!

This week, the guys wrap up "Vampire Month Returns" with THIRST, the 2009 Korean Vampire horror-comedy. Along with special guest Violet Burns, we break down the films comedy elements, gender roles, kink and sexuality, and more!

Rolling on with "Vampire Month Returns" with LET THE RIGHT ONE IN. With special guest Jamie Alvey, the guys discuss the film and try to break down the deep themes throughout...and Nathaniel has his entire view of the film turned upside down.

Vampire Month Returns continues with LOST BOYS, which we were cutting but added it back in. With special guests Paul and Terry from STRANGE HIGHWAYS and Jenn Hartle of general greatness, we talk queer subtext, colliding tones and themes, and sweet soundtracks.

This week, the guys throw together a random episode on INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE for our vampire month (part 2), along with Sammeael's wife Jenn Hartle! We discuss adaptational changes, changing sympathies with characters and the nuances of the film's excellent performances.

"Vampire Month Returns" begins with THE HUNGER, a unique movie to say the least. The guys attempt to unravel the film with conversations on the superb cast, confusing endings and the intersection between goth club culture and Vampire films.

This week, the guys are joined by some friends to say goodbye to our good friend Steve King, co-host of INVASION OF THE PODCAST, who passed away last week.

It's mostly alcohol and feelings.

Haunted Month wraps up with THE OTHERS, a lovely old dark house tale. Along with special guest Maggie, the guys discuss lighting, Nicole Kidman's wonderful performance, and the films bleak view of the afterlife.

Haunting Month continues with THE CHANGELING, one of the best haunted house movies out there. With special guest Scott Davis of Moviocrity, the guys break down the spooky film, discussing George C Scott, unique cinematography, and the moral and ethical dilemmas at the heart of vengeance from beyond the grave.

"Haunting Month" rolls on with HOUSE, the surreal Japanese haunted house film. With guests Paul Steadman (INVASION OF THE PODCAST), Mary Steadman, and Terry Witherspoon (STRANGE HIGHWAYS Podcast), the guys discuss absurdism, comedy and favorite "weird cinema."

The guys begin a month of cinematic haunted houses with a piece of modern American folklore, the often uneven AMITYVILLE HORROR. Topics include hoaxes, financial ruin, and the lost art of scenery chewing. And flies. Lots of flies.

Once more, the guys celebrate New Years with a conversation on Mike Flanagan's THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR! Along with very special guests Jamie Alvey, Emily Fabrizio and Maggie S., conversation turns to themes of heartbreak, representation, baby voices, and, of course, ghosts. Happy New Year from us here at At The Devils Ball!

Finishing off the Christmas season with underrated haunted house flick THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE! Topics include sexual repression, cat attacks, and the remarkable performance of Roddy McDowall. A very happy holidays to you and yours!

Happy Holidays! The guys join forces with their pals from INVASION OF THE PODCAST and special guest Mary Steadman for a conversation on the HE-MAN AND SHE-RA CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, including iconic villain face turns, capitalist cynicism, and other holiday traditions.

This week, the guys tackle an *actual* Christmas movie with VIOLENT NIGHT, an interesting and enjoyable but definitely flawed holiday action film. Topics include wonky narrative choices, fun action sequences and how David Harbour is a fantastic character actor.

The guys begin this holiday season with a sorta-not-really consumerism (the true spirit of the season?) film CHOPPING MALL. Topics include automation, earnestly meant schlock, and fun performances.

Remake month concludes (in December) with a look at 1999's THE HAUNTING, a challenging and occasionally baffling remake. Alongside special guests Jamie Alvey and Emily Fabrizio, the guys discuss casting and adaptational choices, set design and bloated budgets.

Remake month continues with another remake of a William Castle favorite, HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL! The guys discuss the mixed performances, strong cinematography and weird story choices, and generally have a good time with this mixed bag of a film.

Remake month rolls on with THIR13EN GHOSTS, a hectic but enjoyable update to a William Castle cult classic. The guys discuss the high quality set and character design, headache inducing editing and enjoyable (but occasionally baffling) performances.

Remake month begins with a look at an often over-looked remake: 1988's THE BLOB. With our guest Terry Witherspoon of STRANGE HIGHWAYS, the discussion breaks down fantastic special effects, anti-authority themes and attitudes towards remakes in general.

Happy Halloween! While our special was last week, the schedule allowed another episode for All Hallow's Eve, so we continued our tradition of covering a NoTD entry with the weird third installment. We discuss weird choices, analyze characters and generally wish we were better prepared. Happy Halloween to all!

In our Halloween Special, we have a myriad of guests on to have a group discussion on SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK, the 2019 film and the book series it is adapted from. The group discusses folklore, adolescence, and proper credit. Happy Halloween!

The week, the guys continue another Halloween month with another HALLOWEEN movie. This one has Busta Rhymes. They discuss reality shows, influencer culture, artistic integrity and whether or not Rhymes is out of focus when he delivers his most famous line. Enjoy!

A happy Friday the 13th to you and yours! The guys celebrate the day with a conversation on the 7th installment of the long running series, as well as wax nostalgic about the days when horror franchise pictures were fun and interesting. So smack your sleeping bag against a tree or whatever and join us!

The guys begin Halloween month with the Devil's Night cult-classic THE CROW! While opinions on the film differ, the guys manage to have a good conversation about the film's undeniable effect on a great number of people, character actors (as usual), and unusual aphorisms. Can't rain all the time. Or something.

The guys close out BACK TO SCHOOL month with DISTURBING BEHAVIOR, the 1998 "hip" horror/sci-fi mashup featuring a bunch actors making weird choices. Topics include sympathy for Katie Holmes, an appreciation for James Marsden, and trying to understand the nonsensical plot. CW: the film has some unsettling behavior towards Women, and it is discussed.

This week, the guys get sent to DETENTION, the delightful 2011 90's genre deconstruction/pop culture love letter. They discuss the charming performances, Nathaniel has an allergy attack, and discuss why MMMbop is, as the kids these days say, a "banger."

Back to School rolls on with the uneven but fun COOTIES. We attempt to discuss the occasionally uneven tone, the performers bringing a ton to developing their characters, and Sammaeal gives home improvement tips.

We begin our "Back To School" month (even though neither of us are students. Or Teachers. Sammaeal does work in a school though, so...) with 1998's THE FACULTY. We talk the stellar cast, awkward metaphors and themes, and Josh Hartnett's hair. It's guaranteed to jack you up*.

*Guarantee not guaranteed.

We're back! Mostly!

We begin our "season two" with NoTLD '90, a fun, exciting remake featuring an excellent cast and amazing pacing. We discuss our hiatus, how amazing Tony Todd is, and generally dig on the changes-both subtle and unsubtle-within Tom Savini's cult classic.

The guys finish up their high-speed chase down the MAD MAX series with FURY ROAD. Along with frequent guest Paul Steadman, the guys talk about female leads, battle tactics, and post-apocalyptic civilizations.

Two Podcasters enter, Two Podcasters...uh, also leave. Not as catchy. This week, the guys attempt to get BEYOND Thunderdome with a dive into the wackier, more polarizing third MAD MAX film. Topics include theatricality, Tina Turner, and a bold statement on the best scene in the whole franchise.

This week, the guys are joined by film theory genius Ryan Rodriguez of ONE TRACK MIND and REELS OF JUSTICE to discuss THE ROAD WARRIOR, quite possibly the best post-apocalypse movie of all time and the basis for countless imitations. Topics include heady subjects such as the hero's journey, the archetype of The Anti-Hero and the decline of civilization.

This week, the guys begin a speedy car chase through the MAD MAX series with, uh, MAD MAX, the Australian sci-fi/action hybrid that started it all. Topics include societal decay, micro-budget cinema technique, and Gibson being an awful human but a decent actor.

This week, the guys finish their random month with SILENT HILL REVELATION, the awkward sequel to the much better SILENT HILL. The guys ramble about lots of things, some of them pertaining to the film!

Dedicated to the memory of Julian Sands. RIP.

For our 150th episode, we tackle SILENT HILL, one of the best video game adaptations and an all-around fun horror flick to boot. Along with special guest Anastasia, we discuss queer subtext, monster designs, and (our favorite subject) great character actors.

This week, the guys analyze THE MIST, the 2007 Stephen King adaptation that reads like a Romero film by way of Lovecraft. The guys discuss the fine cast of character actors, the alternate black and white version, creature design, social dynamics and how much it sucks going to the grocery store.

This week, the guys tackle a famous classic in the clever, genre-defining FRIDAY THE 13TH. The guys sit down with filmmaker Mi Chelle Nessk to discuss Betsy Palmer, Manfredini's score, theater actors and more!

Nic Cage month comes to an end with Werner Herzog's weird, uneven BAD LIEUTENANT, a movie the guys try to make sense of. They talk Cage's strong performance, the awkward viewpoints of morality, and try to balance their expectations with reality, and try to be positive!

Nicolas Cage months continue with MANDY, the psychedelic, drug-fueled revenge picture. The guys break down what they love about the movie, including Cage's nuanced performance, the ethereal presence of Andrea Riseborough, Ceno-Bikers and Chedder Goblins. Enjoy!

Cage month rolls on with 8MM, the edgy post-"Se7en" horror/thriller/noir about snuff films and class issues. Along with guests Terry and Paul of the STRANGE HIGHWAYS podcast, the guys discuss the film with a focus on the film's heavy themes, Cage's strong lead performance, and whether or not this film is as edgy as it thinks it is.

HOW'D IT GET BUUUUURNED? We're beginning a Nicolas Cage month with the over-the-top madness of the remake of THE WICKER MAN and put our ability to find the positive in anything to the test. Again. We discuss some admittedly good performances, the strong score by Angelo Badalamenti and, of course, Cage's baffling and amazing performance.

May The Fourth Be With You! Or some such! This week, the guys attempt to aim their positive and constructive attitudes towards Episode One, a difficult film to say the least, and talk lightsaber duels, toxic fandom, and imperial senate intrigue.